A committee tasked with studying and evaluating Georgia’s current laws, policies and procedures utilized in Georgia elections, as well as the statewide and local elected officials and boards that oversee the administration of Georgia’s election, will hold its third meeting today. And members of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Election Procedures will go into that meeting after receiving a recommendation letter from the Georgia Republican Party.
“After two meetings of the committee, and ahead of their third meeting this week, we wanted to make clear our requests to comply with state law ahead of the 2025 Public Service Commission elections and the 2026 mid-term elections,” said Josh McKoon, Chairman of the Georgia GOP.
“We are requesting that the committee vote to ask the Secretary of State to opt-in to the pilot program model for the November 2025 PSC election by implementing the use of hand marked paper ballots, updating the software for assistive devices, and complying with state law in the removal of the QR codes from the ballots. In this scenario, counties around the state would be given the opportunity to opt-in to pilot program model. It is vital that we have a model in practice, not just in theory, leading up to the expiration of QR codes on ballots in July of 2026”
McKoon went on to say that President Donald Trump has reinforced the urgency of this transition with his March 2025 Executive Order.
“The real possibility of Congressional action only underscores the need to have a pilot program. Voter confidence in Georgia MUST be restored,” McKoon added. “We are thankful to Chairman Tim Fleming (of Covington) and the rest of the committee for their commitment to engage with grassroots activists throughout the state. We are hopeful that they will consider our proposal and make the recommendation to the Secretary of State’s Office.”
The remaining meeting dates and locations for the 2025 meetings of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Election Procedures are as follows:
● Thursday, August 28 – Cornelia/Gainesville
● Thursday, September 18 – Savannah
● Thursday, October 2 – Covington
● Thursday, October 16 – Americus
The committee will compile a report of specific findings or legislative recommendations that officials say will ensure Georgia has a secure and effective electoral system ahead of next November’s elections.
